Service Times: Sundays 9 a.m. at Union Chapel Indy and Streaming Online

2720 East 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Outlaws & Tinkers / Seafarers & Drinkers: 

Meet Visionaries On a Tour of Ireland 

with Hogeye Navvy!


St. Patrick’s Day is a high holy day that observes the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, drinking and a whole lot of green. This Sunday at The Garden, we'll welcome Hogeye Navvy, an Celtic/American folk band who will present a music tour of Ireland along with an inspiring message. Wear green and join us Sunday as we seek an Irish Blessing and celebrate St. Patrick's Day!

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About THE GARDEN

Our Mission

Sharing in the journey of spiritual exploration through creativity, compassion, and care.

Our Vision

To create and inspire goodness and love in the world.

Our Values

We are committed to Inclusiveness, Spiritual Growth, Creativity, Social Equity and Outreach.

Who We Are

The Garden is a reconciling ministry of the United Methodist Church, affirming everyone regardless of religious affiliation or lack thereof, and affirming the dignity, worth and value of every person, emphasizing that we are loved and accepted just as we are. The Garden believes everyone has a divine purpose in this life and we work to help everyone find the spark of God in their hearts. Anyone is welcome on our leadership teams, in our church, and on our volunteer teams – no matter your story, you are welcomed and affirmed here.


The Garden is a leader of a forward-thinking movement, which encourages people to experience the holy in all of life, not just through the traditional format known as “church.” Those who experience The Garden find connections through common values more than through common beliefs. The Garden is: spiritual, not religious; accepting, not judgmental; seeking, not certain; inclusive, not exclusive; up-to-date, not limited by the past; and succeeds in blurring the lines between the sacred and secular. Those who are connected with The Garden are empowered and encouraged to think for themselves and to be wherever they are in their own life/spiritual journey without any expectation of a pre-determined or set destination.


Our Origin

In 1994, founding pastor Dr. Linda McCoy had a dream knowing God intended for her to do something far different in ministry. In 1995, The Garden church was planted, holding its first services at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. In 2016, The Garden became an independent church from its parent organization of St. Luke’s UMC and now stands strongly on its own, pastored by Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes. Officially chartered in June 2017, The Garden is now The Garden Community Church.

What to Expect

Our Services

The Garden has a bit of a different vibe… Aside from being open, inclusive, and affirming, we find a deeper spirituality by blending the sacred and the secular. We demonstrate this through the use popular secular music played live by live musicians, The Good Earth Band. While we take inspiration from the life of Jesus for messaging, we welcome everyone without agenda–-we seek to convert no one. Instead, we aim to create a comforting space where people of many paths can feel welcome.


The Garden meets in Union Chapel at 2720 East 86th Street, Indianapolis, also the home of Union Chapel United Methodist Church. When you arrive, please help yourself to coffee and a doughnut or bagel, find a seat, and relax. If you have questions, our friendly Hospitality Team can answer them and help you get acclimated. Feel free to come and go as needed during the 45-60 minute service. After all, you may need a refill of coffee or an extra doughnut!


We encourage children to attend service with their parents/caretakers to embrace the positive message and experience. Child care is unavailable. However, we offer children's programming simultaneously with our service.


Please join us on Sunday for a different kind of church experience!

Our Team

Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes

Lead Pastor

Originally from the Chicago area, Carolyn came to Indianapolis to study music at Butler University – Go Bulldogs! After graduation, Carolyn decided to stay in Indianapolis, where she worked in an office during the day, sang with her band at night, and spent Sundays at her church working as a soloist and eventually Children’s Music Director. After starting a successful program at Geist Christian Church, Carolyn was called to St. Luke’s UMC to work as the Children’s Music and Fine Arts Director.


It was from St. Luke’s that Carolyn felt called to explore full-time ordained ministry. She graduated with a Masters of Divinity from the Christian Theological Seminary in 1997 and was ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1998.


In 2005, Carolyn graduated with a Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. After graduation, she went to San Francisco to serve as an Intern at GLIDE Memorial UMC, a community known for its great diversity, community service, and outreach. She was at GLIDE until she was called to Avon Christian Church in west Indianapolis.


She and the Reverend Dr. Andrew Holmes, Lead Pastor at Roberts Park UMC, met while they were both working at St. Luke’s UMC and were married on 11/11/11. Carolyn says she and Andrew are a great example of how opposites attract or how faith can come together from different perspectives.


Carolyn and Avon Christian Church had just finished a building campaign. She was looking forward to catching her breath, but the UMC Bishop contacted her about coming to The Garden. The congregation was about to go independent from St. Luke’s UMC, and the founding pastor Dr. Linda McCoy was retiring. At first, she was reluctant to take on such a challenge. Coming to The Garden was not in HER plans; however, it was in God’s plan. (And we know that God doesn’t always call one to what they want to do but to where we are needed.) And it seems we, both The Garden and Carolyn, needed each other.


Since September 2015, Reverend Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes is the spiritual leader for The Garden Community Church. Pastor Carolyn is deeply ingrained into the life of the church and dedicated to The Garden’s future.


Pastor Carolyn’s faith is driven by the music of all types, so The Garden’s progressive spiritual approach and blending of the sacred and secular truly fills her soul.


In her free time, she enjoys watching movies and reading. Carolyn has a creative spirit and enjoys living in that spirit. In fact, although it has never been published, Carolyn wrote a children’s book entitled “My Neighborhood” about a group of children coming together in spirit in the midst of great tragedy.


Doran Nash

Music Director

Doran is a graduate of Bellarmine University with a focus in Jazz studies and pedagogy.  He is the keyboardist for LivingProof and a private teacher, instructor in voice, guitar and keyboards. In his spare time, Doran enjoys reading, dogs, and tinkering around his new/old house. Doran looks forward to this new adventure with The Garden.


Patti Duckworth Read

Business Administrator



Role on GLT: Human Resource Chair

Hometown: Franklin, Indiana

Gardener Since: c. 2018

Favorite Garden moment: The online service/music videos during COVID were a lifesaver.

Favorite Restaurant: Too many to choose!

Mantra: There is always something to be thankful for.


Matt Vire

Director of Communications

As Director of Communications, Matt Vire assists The Garden’s leadership with all sorts of communications, service planning logistics, special projects, website development and maintenance, administrative support, and whatever else may be needed.  Matt appreciates The Garden’s less-traditional approach to church services, especially its manner of finding and highlighting the sacred in the secular. He has earned master’s degrees in Theatre, Psychology, and Business Administration. He lives in Indianapolis with his spouse, professional speaker and motivational comedian Kevin Wanzer, with whom he wrote I Love You When, a children’s book about unconditional love.


Martha Heinrich

Role on Garden Leadership Team: Treasurer

Hometown: Born in Chicago, lived in Winona Lake, Indiana, and has now resided in Indianapolis for over 50 years

Gardener Since: c. 2015

Most Memorable Garden Moment: Carolyn and I personally moving boxes and all the Garden's possessions from St Luke's to the Broad Ripple Church office to become The Garden's own independent church.

Favorite Restaurant: Bonge's Tavern 

Mantra: We can do this....it’s just not that hard.


Elizabeth Young

Role: Board Chair

Hometown: Vincennes, Indiana

Gardener Since: c. 1995

Most Memorable Garden Moment: "Every Sunday is the best!"

Favorite Restaurant: Kona Jacks

Mantra: Help me be a blessing to others.



Shannon Robinson



Role on GLT: Board member at large

Hometown: Denver, Colorado

Gardener Since: c. 2018

Favorite Good Earth Band song: Days Like This

Favorite Restaurant: Harry & Izzy’s

Mantra: I love who I am. I love where I am. I love what I’m doing.


Patrice Bradley



Role on GLT: Outreach Chair

Hometown: Birmingham, Michigan

Gardener Since: c. 2015

Most memorable Good Earth Band song: Peace Train – with Conga Line!

Favorite Restaurant: Broad Ripple Brew Pub

Mantra: Be kind!


Arcy Clark

Arcy says, "I have lived in the Indy area all my life, studied at Purdue, and work as a software architect. My wife and I have three lovely daughters, as well as two dogs and three cats. I love being involved in and giving back to groups that offer community, support, and resources to make a positive difference in people’s lives and the broader community. I like walking, nature, travel, word puzzles, and games."


Scott Cunniff

Secretary


Scott Cunniff was born in St Louis and has been a resident of Indianapolis since 1988. He spent his "development" years in Davenport, Iowa, which he considers his hometown. Scott started attending The Garden regularly in 2004 after a Christmas service in 2003. In addition to the wonderful music and spiritual messages offered by The Garden, he enjoys The Garden's casual and accepting atmosphere. He is a proud father and grandfather, recently retired. He hopes to be able to spend more of his newly-added free time going on more trips, visiting friends and family, and volunteering. He says, "One thing I have learned in recent years is that you shouldn't wait to start enjoying your life more. Start Now!"


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